Lights go out to mark outbreak of First World War

18 July 2014

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The Mayor of Woking, Cllr Tony Branagan, will join local people for a Service of Commemoration and Reflection to mark the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War at 10pm on Monday 4 August 2014.

The Service, to be held in ChirstChurch, Jubilee Square, Woking, will be led by Rev Dr Peter Harwood and will consist of hymns, readings, prayers and reflection. A series of ceremonial candles will be extinguished during the service, with the final candle being extinguished by the Mayor at 11pm at Woking's War Memorial in Jubilee Square, to mark the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of war.

The Mayor of Woking, Cllr Tony Branagan, said: "The outbreak of World War One was a cataclysmic event in world history. It forever changed towns, communities and families across our land, so it is only right that we commemorate and remember the lives lost and sacrifices made by millions of people through this symbolic gesture. I would therefore urge people from across our communities to join us at ChristChurch on Monday 4 August from 10pm for a Service of Commemoration and Reflection."

The Service is part of the national `Lights Out' campaign which encourages local people and businesses to turn their lights out from 10pm to 11pm on Monday 4 August, leaving a single light or candle for a shared moment of reflection.

The inspiration for the campaign came from a remark made on the eve of the outbreak of war by the then Foreign Secretary, Sir Edward Grey. He said: "The lamps are going out all over Europe; we shall not see them lit again in our life-time".

Britain declared war on Germany at 11pm, 4 August 1914 ushering in one of the darkest periods in our history.

To help show your support for the 100th anniversary, giant poppies are available free of charge from the Council's Civic Offices to residents, business and community and voluntary groups wishing to display them as a mark of respect.

Everyone is welcome to attend the Service. ChristChurch will be open from 9am on Monday 4 August for those wishing to light a candle of remembrance and reflection.